Hobe et Cie was founded in Paris in 1887 by Jacques Hobe. His concept was
to use fine jewelry techniques and non-precious materials to create
jewelry for the middle class as well as for the wealthy. Brought to America in 1915 by his son William, Hobe jewelry was
popular not only with everyday customers, but also with the Hollywood stars
and such luminaries as Flo Ziegfield. Inspired by period jewelry of
the past, Hobe jewelry often had an historic flavor.

The name HOBE is synonymous with quality,
especially in their earlier pieces. Although they made buckles and
accessories in the late 1800s, their costume jewelry from the 1930-50's years are my personal favorites. Their wire-worked designs
and fabulous stones, sometimes semi-precious stones, create a unique old-world style. When they combine
objects into their jewelry, such as in the elephant brooch below, they
take creativity to a new high. The purse frames, done in conjunction with
Josef, makers of fine purses, are works of art.

HOBE
and their wonderful hand made gilt wire work jewelry from circa 1945-50.
Some of the Hobe jewelry from this era is set with semi-precious stones
and some with brilliant rhinestones. The hand fashioned wire work is
wonderful, adding to the appeal of this jewelry. In my experience, the
more common color combinations seem to be the red, clear and blue and
the aqua and clear.

HOBE carved
bone elephant brooch with pink, citrine and clear rhinestones, 1-3/4"
by 2-1/2". Signed "Hobe" on an applied rectangle on the back.
View
#H16249

HOBE
grand parure, the largest set of matching Hobe I have ever owned. All
circa 1940s and all in excellent condition. The necklace has a detachable
large brooch that can be worn separately, and there are three different
styles of bracelets. This has been assembled over a more than 20 year
period.
This set is not the most commonly found color combination, however. In my
experience, the red, clear and blue combination is most readily found,
followed by the aqua and clear. .

HOBE
bracelets in the same citrine and pink colors in three different styles.
The top bracelet is the same piece seen in Christie Romero's book "Warman's
Jewelry", 2nd Ed, page 190, and it is 7" by 1" wearable size and in
excellent condition. #O22496.

HOBE green, pink and
clear unfoiled rhinestones parure of jewelry circa 1940s. The necklace, signed "Hobe" on an applied rectangle
on the back, is a17" wearable size around the neck with a removable brooch
that is attached on a hook, 2-5/8" by 2-1/4". The rectangular
earrings are unsigned clip backs, 1-1/8". The
HOBE green, pink
and clear rhinestones bracelet with the large rectangular center has a
safety chain and is signed "Hobe" on the back. It is 6-1/2" wearable
around the wrist with 1" wide gold mesh sides and a center element of
2-1/3" by 1-3/4". Parts of this set are seen in the Brunialti's book, "A Tribute to America" on page 35.
ViewViewView
#H22680

HOBE brooch in citrine, clear and pink unfoiled rhinestones with three
dangles, set in hand fashioned gold tone wire filigree, signed "Hobe" on the
back, 2-1/2" by 2-1/3".
View #O39122.

HOBE citrine, pink and clear
unfoiled rhinestones set in gilt silver filigree bracelet with gold tone woven
six-strand band, 6-1/3" long, 2-1/3" wide at the front and the mesh band is
1-1/3" wide. The large green stones have multiple facets which reflect
brilliantly as do the backs of the smaller stones, reminiscent of rose cut
diamonds. This is signed on an applied rectangular plate on the back of the
center element.
ViewViewView #O22496.

HOBE unsigned bracelet in
pink, citrine and clear rhinestones, circa 1948, 7" by 3/4". On
the back of the clasp is etched "BXCXX" and the numbers "L3603". Seen in
Christie Romero's "Warman's Jewelry, 3rd Ed, page 190.)
ViewView #O13766.

HOBE
pink, citrine and clear rhinestone earrings set in gold tone wire work,
screw back, 1-1/8" by 1". This set of earrings is not signed.
View #O38403.

HOBE festoon necklace of pink, citrine and clear rhinestones with detachable brooch.
The necklace is four strands and is 17" long; the detachable brooch is
2-5/8" by 2-1/4".
ViewView #O13958.

HOBE brooch of unfoiled pink, clear and citrine rhinestones all set in gilt hand made wirework.
There is a little loop visible from the back that may indicate that this could have
been fitted to also wear as a pendant hung from a necklace, 3-5/8" by
1-1/2". This is similar to the 1943 patent 143,318 and it is not
signed.
View #O37994.

HOBE pink and citrine small leaf pin, 1-3/4" by 1-1/8". There
are two minute flea bites in the stones, but it si in otherwise
excellent condition.
View #O39267

HOBE cushion shaped pink and citrine brooch,
marked "Hobe" on the back, 2-1/8" by 2" Tiny fleabites on the top edge of
the center stones are present but seen only under magnification.
View #O39734

HOBE brooch with pink, citrine and clear unfoiled rhinestones with four
glass pearls, 2-1/3" by 1-7/8". These are set in the hand worked gilt wire
filigree with the expert workmanship you expect of the Hobe of this era, 1940s.
Under magnification only, you can see some minute fleabites in center stone, not
visible to the naked eye. Otherwise this is in excellent condition. It is marked
on the back "des..." but the rest wasn't struck hard enough to be legible.
View #O39266

HOBE pink and citrine rhinestones bracelet with unfoiled stones set
in hand made gold tone wire work. There are six round links, and it has
a safety chain, 6-3/4" by 1". Circa 1940's this is in excellent
condition in every way.
View
View
View #O39296

HOBE fabulous curved brooch with pink, yellow, blue and green unfoiled
rhinestones set in gold tone wire work, dangles, not signed but with hang
tag, 3" by 3". Patent number 143,486 from 1946. This piece in another color
way can be seen in the book "American Costume Jewelry: Art & Industry Volume
1" on page 215, where it is dated 1939 designed by William W. Hobe.
View
ViewPatent #O39297

HOBE fabulous curved brooch with
pink, yellow, blue and green unfoiled rhinestones set in gold tone wire
work, dangles, not signed but with hang tag, 3" by 3". Patent number 143,486
from 1946. This piece in another color way can be seen in the book "American
Costume Jewelry: Art & Industry Volume 1" on page 215, where it is dated
1939 designed by William W. Hobe. ViewViewPatent #O36750.

HOBE pink and yellow unfoiled
stones set in gold tone filigree leaf brooch with flower trembler on top,
2-1/2" by 1-3/4". These stones test as precious stones not
rhinestones. Marked on the back "Hobe" on an applied
rectangular plaque. ViewView
#O31114.

HOBE heart and bow brooch
with drop with aqua, pink and clear unfoiled rhinestones set in hand
fashioned gold tone wire work, marked on the back "Hobe", 2-1/3" by 1-1/2"
and in excellent vintage condition.
View #O39676

HOBEsterling figural brooch with tinted
Asian lady in flowing robes figure surrounded by purple, blue and pink
unfoiled rhinestones set in hand worked sterling leaves, berries and
scrolls, unsigned but guaranteed Hobe circa 1940, 3-5/8" by 2-1/4". A
similar piece dated 1944 can be seen on our Hobe patents page by clicking on
our
Jewel Chat free references. Another very similar piece can be seen
on page 220 in the book, "Bijoux" (Italian edition) by Deanna Cera. This is
in excellent condition in every way and absolutely gorgeous, and a nice
large size as well. View
#O39852

HOBE bracelet and brooch with aqua, pink and clear unfoiled
rhinestones set in gold washed hand made wire work filigree and chains
circa 1945 according to the patent. The bracelet is 7" by 1-5/8" at the widest. The brooch is
2-1/8" by 2".
View
View
View
View #O37992
.Patent number 143,317
dated 1945 for the bracelet shown here.

HOBE bracelet and brooch with aqua, pink and clear unfoiled
rhinestones set in gold washed hand made wire work filigree and chains
circa 1945 according to the patent. The bracelet is 7" by 1-5/8" at the widest. The brooch is
2-1/8" by 2".
View
View
View
View #O37992
.Patent number 143,317
dated 1945 for the bracelet shown here.

HOBE brooch with aqua, pink and clear unfoiled
rhinestones set in gold washed hand made wire work filigree and chains
circa 1945. The brooch is
2-1/8" by 2".
View
View
View
View #O37992

HOBE unsigned
brooch with pastel rhinestones and dangling drops. The colors are pink, aqua and
clear unfoiled rhinestones set in gilt wirework, circa 1940s, 2-1/4" by 2". This
is an unusual Hobe design that I hadn't seen in a brooch before, although I have
had the earrings in this same design.
View #O37727.

HOBE necklace with a large pink
tourmaline cabochon center surrounded by aqua and soft pink unfoiled
rhinestones, all set in hand made gilt filigree, wire twist and chains. It
is unsigned, but has it's safety chain. It is a 15-1/2"
necklace with a 4" front drop,
1-1/2" by 2" pendant. My jewelry appraiser says the center tourmaline is
20-30 carats in size. This necklace is just spectacular, one of my all-time
favorites, and it is in excellent condition. ViewViewViewView #O34390.

HOBE dangle earrings with unfoiled aqua, blue, pink and clear
rhinestones set in gold tone wire work, 1-1/2" by 5/8". These are circa
1940s and they are in excellent brilliant condition with both the stones
and the settings looking almost brand new.
View #O39658

HOBE bracelet with a large aqua unfoiled center rhinestone surrounded by
pink and green rhinestones and clear cabochons, all set in masterful gold
washed hand made wire work, circa 1940s. It is 7" wearable length with a 2"
by 1-3/4" center and 1" sides. This is in very good vintage condition with
only a few tiny flea bites on some stones, visible with a loupe. It has a
secure clasp and masterful wirework setting.
View
View
View
View
View
View #O39475

HOBE
bracelet with a center blue topaz, aquamarines, man made rubies and
clear quartz, circa 1940, unsigned but
definitely Hobe, 7" by 1-1/3". It is hinged between each
link for easy wearing and decorated with tiny gold wire work filigree leaves and
flowers. Each stone has 18-24 cuts on the back which adds to their
brilliance. This same piece is the one seen in Christie Romero's
"Warman's Jewelry", 3rd Ed, page 190.
ViewViewViewViewView #O8773.

HOBE bracelet in beautiful pink,
lavender and clear unfoiled rhinestone set in gold tone wire work, 7-1/2" by
7/8". This isn't signed but I guarantee it is a Hobe circa 1950. A similar
bracelet can be seen in Deanna Cera's book, "Jewels of Fantasy" on page 150.
ViewView #O36467

HOBE bracelet with clear, man made ruby,
aquamarine and quartz stones set in gilt silver, a wonderful piece. Each stone has 18-24 cuts
on the back which adds to their brilliance, unsigned but easily recognizable
as Hobe, circa 1940. The bracelet is 6-5/8" by 1-1/2" at the widest.
This can be seen in
Christie Romero's "Warman's Jewelry, 3rd Ed" book, page 190.
ViewViewView #H34229

HOBE clear unfoiled reflective clear cabochons bracelet and dress clip.
This is an amazing set is circa 1940. The bracelet is 7" by 1-3/4" and
the fur clip
is 2-1/4". The Hobe signature is under the clip back but the
bracelet isn't signed.
View
View
View
ViewViewView
#O37015

HOBE rose petal pink star burst cabochons and clear rhinestones
bracelet, brooch and two pairs of earrings set in gold tone, circa 1950. The
bracelet 7-1/3" by 7/8"; dangling clip back earrings 1-3/4" by 1"; brooch
marked "Hobe" on the back 3-1/8" by 1-1/4"; clip back earrings 7/8". This is
a gorgeous set and the pink cabochons look like pink star sapphires. This
bracelet is marked "Hobe" on the back but the earrings are not. They are a
perfect match though, and both bracelet and earrings are in excellent
condition in every way, with gleaming stones and settings and
findings that look like they just walked off the show room floor. The parure
will come in the gray box as shown, but it isn't the original box.
View
View
View
View
View #O39198/39139

All pieces to the pink group.

HOBE rose petal pink star burst glass cabochons and clear
rhinestones necklace on pale gold tone chains. The necklace is a wearable
length of 16-1/4", the center element is 1-5/8" by 1-1/4", and the two side
elements are each 1" by 3/4". The closure is a box clasp decorated with
clear rhinestones. It has no signature but matches other Hobe pieces we have
had. It is in excellent condition and circa 1950.
View
View
View #O39620

HOBE
brooch pendant combination with brilliant unfoiled faceted topaz colored oval
center surrounded by smaller unfoiled rhinestones in rosy red, aqua and
clear, all set in gold tone filigree hand made wirework, circa 1940s. The entire
length of pendant, dangling teardrops and loop is 3-1/3" and it is 1-5/8' wide.
The pendant top can be easily removed to wear this as a brooch, too. The back is
signed "Hobe" in an applied rectangular plaque and "design pat'd" on a separate
strip.
View #O38672.

HOBE necklace with unfoiled faceted rhinestones in red, pink, green,
clear, aqua and purple amethysts, late 1940s. The necklace has three larger links
and eight smaller ones, each of which has dangling teardrop shaped
pieces suspended from them. It is made of hand worked gold tone filigree
wire work and both the rhinestones and the finish is in excellent
condition. It is signed on the back "Hobe" in the standard applied
plaque. View
View #O38671.

HOBE comma shaped earrings with center stones of faceted unfoiled topaz
color and surrounding stones in red, pink, soft green and clear, also unfoiled.
The earrings are screw backs, and while they are not signed, they are guaranteed
to be by Hobe. They are in excellent condition and circa 1940s.
View #O38673

HOBE shell cameo brooch set with unfoiled green, clear and topaz colored
rhinestones set in the hand made wire work for which Hobe of that era was known,
2" by 1-5/8". The cameo is a genuine sea shell hand carved cameo, just lovely,
of a lady with flowers in her hair and on her bodice. It is circa 1940 and is
signed "Hobe" on the back.
View #O39402

HOBE earrings with unfoiled green and topaz colored rhinestones set in the
hand made wore work for which Hobe of that era was known for, 1-1/4" by 7/8".
The earrings are screw backs, and there is light wear on a few of the stones,
seen only under magnification. They are not signed, but are guaranteed to be
Hobe earrings.
View
View #O39403

HOBE cameo brooch with pink, blue, clear and topaz colored rhinestones,
marked on the back "Hobe", 2-1/4" by 2-1/4". The
center is a carved sea shell cameo, and it is surrounded by unfoiled and
open back rhinestones with more dangling rhinestones that create nice
movement at the bottom. All the wire work is hand done. Circa 1940, this is
in excellent condition.
View
View #O39455

HOBE bracelet with a red synthetic ruby center and light yellow smaller
peridot and colorful unfoiled rhinestones and gold tone settings
and chains. These rhinestones are some of the more unusual colors used in
this era of Hobe. They include a deep rose, blue, green and yellow, and are all
unfoiled. This is in excellent vintage condition and circa 1940s.
View
View
View #O39028

HOBE carved bone sword or
saber purse ornament with man made rubies, unfoiled rose and blue stones and foiled yellow
ones set in gold-
and silver-tone leaves, flowers and swirls, 9" by 2-1/2". Spiky brads on the
back would probably have fastened it to a purse.
ViewViewViewViewView #O31453.

HOBE brooch with pink, blue and clear unfoiled rhinestones set in gilt
hand worked filigree, and with two dangling stones that lean slightly back
in this photo but lay straight down when pinned on, circa 1940, 2" by 1-3/4".
View #O38831

HOBE large gold tone filigree dress clip with rosy purple center
cabochon and pink, rose, green and yellow rhinestones, all set in hand
worked wire filigree, 3-1/2" by 2-1/3". Signed "Hobe" on an applied plaque n
the back and circa 1940s.
ViewView
View #O31112.

HOBE pink, purple and clear unfoiled rhinestones bracelet set in gilt
filigree, all hand made, marked "Hobe" on the back, 7" by 7/8".
A similar piece can be seen in Deanna Cera's book, "Jewels of Fantasy" on page
150. View
View
View #O37806

HOBE bracelet with clear and purple
unfoiled rhinestones set in gold tone filigree, signed "Hobe" on a square
plaque, 7" by 1". A 1948 advertisement for a very similar
bracelet can be seen in can be seen in Brunialti's "Tribute to American
Costume Jewelry" on page 35. ViewViewView #O34534

HOBE bracelet with clear and purple
unfoiled rhinestones set in gold tone filigree, signed "Hobe" on a
rectangular plaque, 7-1/4" by 7/8". A 1948 advertisement for a very similar
bracelet can be seen in can be seen in Brunialti's "Tribute to American
Costume Jewelry" on page 35. One hinge between links has a professional
reinforcement on the back, invisible from the front.
View #O36067

HOBE sterling two part brooch with rhinestones, purple, pink and green
rhinestones in a hand made brooch with flowers, leaves, scrolls and other
wonderful wire work, "Hobe 14k on sterling Design Pat.d", 3-1/2" long and 2"
at the widest The bottom element can be removed and worn separately.
View
View #O39801

HOBE sterling figural brooch with tinted
Asian lady in flowing robes figure surrounded by purple, green and pink
unfoiled rhinestones set in hand worked sterling leaves, berries and
scrolls, unsigned but guaranteed Hobe circa 1940, 3-5/8" by 2-1/4". A
similar piece dated 1944 can be seen on our Hobe patents page by clicking on
our
Jewel Chat free references, and shown in the last image here below.
Another very similar piece can be seen on page 220 in the book, "Bijoux"
(Italian edition) by Deanna Cera. This is in excellent condition in every
way and absolutely gorgeous, and a nice large size as well.
View #O395657

HOBE very rare sterling and rhinestone ornament, a huge whopping 5" by
3-1/3"! It was probably a purse ornament with clips on the back to hold it
on. Spectacular is the perfect word for this, both in size and design. All
hand made circa 1950, and you will not see a lot of these around! There are
some minute flea bites on a few of the rhinestones, but you need a loupe to
see them, and the detailed intricate sterling work is just masterful.
View #O39802

HOBE bracelet with unfoiled rose
rhinestone centers surrounded by green and yellow rhinestones and set in
lovely gold tone filigree, 7" by 1-1/4". A 1948 advertisement for a very
similar bracelet can be seen in can be seen in Brunialti's "Tribute to
American Costume Jewelry" on page 35.
ViewViewView #O35124

HOBE green and clear
rhinestones set in wirework bracelet, circa 1950, 6-3/4" long, 1-3/4" by 1/3".
This has the typical lovely Hobe filigree wire work and the stones are extra
brilliant.
ViewViewViewView #O33297

HOBE unsigned necklace of pink, chartreuse
and deep blue unfoiled rhinestones in a gold tone wire work setting, circa
1950, 17" long with 1-5/8" front drops. This is not signed but
is easily recognized as Hobe, and it is absolutely fabulous! ViewViewViewView #O32714.

HOBE brooch
with green and clear unfoiled rhinestones set in gold tone hand made wire work
filigree, 2". #O37518

HOBE green glass pierced earrings with artificial pearls and red
cabochons, threaded posts for pierced earrings, total length 1-7/8". These are unsigned but on
their original card, which is 2-1/2"by 2-1/2".
View #O38950.

HOBE necklace with green and clear
unfoiled rhinestones set in gold tone wire work, hook to add a
brooch/pendant at the bottom, 16" by 3/4" wide.
ViewView #O35802

HOBE green and yellow unfoiled rhinestone brooch with flip-up loop to
wear as a pendant, 1-7/8" by 1-7/8" diagonally. Set in the hand wrought wire
work filigree typical of this Hobe era c 1940s, this is signed on the
back.
View #O37517

HOBE bracelet,
brooch and earrings in a matched set. The unfoiled rhinestones are blue,
chartreuse, pink and clear and set in the wonderful hand wrought gilt
silver wire work for which Hobe is known. The bracelet is 7" by 3/4";
the brooch, which has a flip-up loop for a chain on the back; and
the screw back earrings are 1".
View
View
View #O38019

HOBE unsigned yellow brooch with oval yellow swirl cabochon center and
surrounding green, pale blue, topaz and clear rhinestones. They are all set in
the hand worked gilt wire for which Hobe is famous, circa 1950. The brooch
is 2-5/8" by 2".
View #O38479

HOBE red, citrine and clear
unfoiled rhinestones dress clip set in gold tone wire work circa 1950,
2-1/2". A similar piece can be seen in Deanna Cera's book, "Jewels of
Fantasy" on page 150. View #O35546

HOBE green, pink and clear unfoiled
rhinestones ring in an aged silvery setting with tiny wire flowers,
size 7-1/4 and it is 7/8" by 1" across the front. Like many Hobe rings this
is not signed but is guaranteed a Hobe. I have had
other signed pieces
of this group.
View #O33211

HOBE multi-colored bracelet, brooch and earrings set circa 1940s. The
unfoiled rhinestones let light pass through, and the colors include red, pink,
aqua, yellow, and lavender. The bracelet is 7" by 5/8"; the brooch is 2-5/8" by
1-1/2"; the screw back earrings are 7/8" each. The bracelet and brooch are
signed but the earrings are not, typical for this style of earring. The center
pale blue rhinestone on the brooch has a microscopic flea bite at one edge, not
even as big as a pencil point and invisible to the naked eye. There are a few of
the same flea bites on the bracelet, too.
View
View
View
View
View
View
View #O38657

HOBE figural brooch with tinted Asian lady in flowing robes figure
surrounded by blue, purple and pink unfoiled rhinestones set in hand
worked sterling leaves, berries and scrolls, unsigned but guaranteed a
Hobe circa 1940, 3-5/8" by 2-1/4". A similar piece dated 1944 can be
seen on our Hobe patents page by clicking
HERE.
View
View #O38655

HOBE sterling gilt clip with a central blue cabochon surrounded by unfoiled
rhinestones in clear, red and blue and set in hand made filigree scrolls and
tiny florets, 2" by 1-1/4" is marked "sterling" and the patent number "1852188",
and while the patent dates to the 1932, I think this is a 1940s clip.
View #O38656

HOBE unsigned sterling vermeil locket with pink, rose, clear and purple rhinestones,
2-5/8" by 1-1/2". There are unusual hallmarks on the back of the locket. ViewViewViewView #O29809

HOBE pale blue, clear, green and purple unfoiled rhinestones in gold washed
setting bow brooch with watch holder hook on back, 2" by 1-7/8".
The necklace to this bow group can be seen in a 1948
HOBE advertisement
View #O29808.

HOBE
earrings with unfoiled faceted rhinestones in purple, pink and clear, all set in
sterling gilt hand made wire work filigree, circa 1940s, clip back 7/8" wide.
Each clip back is marked "sterling" on it. The finish is a very soft gold color,
not shiny, and all the rhinestones are in excellent condition.
View #O38674

HOBE brooch with rose cabochons and
blue and clear unfoiled rhinestones set in gold tone filigree, 2-1/3".
As can be seen in the photo, one of the rose oval cabochons has been
replaced with a faceted stone.
ViewView #O35327

HOBE style but unsigned
sterling locket with gold wash, pink, blue and clear unfoiled rhinestones
and dangles,
locket front with lovely applied flower motif, 2-1/4". I cannot
decide whether or not I think Hobe did this piece, but it charming and
unusual nonetheless. The locket opens from the front so you don't have to
take the brooch off to see a picture.
ViewView #O36421

HOBE ring in a rectangular shape with a rosy red center oval stone
surrounded by purple, green, yellow and clear stones. Size 4-1/4 and 1-1/4"
along the finger. Most stones have wear upon close examination. No signature
but a guaranteed Hobe piece circa 1940s.
View
View #O38818.

HOBE ring in a rectangular shape with a rosy red center oval stone
surrounded by purple, green, yellow and clear stones. Size 4-1/4 and 1-1/4"
along the finger. Most stones have wear upon close examination. No signature
but a guaranteed Hobe piece circa 1940s.
View
View #O38818.

HOBE dangles brooch in pink, red and clear unfoiled rhinestones set in
the lovely hand wrought wire work that Hobe is known for. It is signed
"Hobe" in a rectangle on the back and is 2-1/2" by 2-1/2".
View #H38018

HOBE brooch in pink, red and clear unfoiled rhinestones set in the
lovely hand wrought wire work for which Hobe is known.

HOBE brooch with pink, red and
clear rhinestones set in hand made wire filigree, unsigned, circa 1948,
patent 150,359 designed by Sylvia Hobe, 1-3/4" by 1-5/8". The little
rhinestone that dangles under the crown shape on this pin is easier to see
from the back photo than from the front, but that is because we photograph
things laying flat. It does show when the pin is worn.
View #O37416

HOBE purple centered pendant, surrounded by unfoiled rhinestones in rose
red, pink, green and pale blue, pendant marked "Hobe" on the back and is 2" by
1-1/4", the chain is unmarked and is 17-3/4" long. There is a tiny flea bite on
the purple cabochon, not visible without a magnifier.
View
View #O39214

HOBE floral bouquet
brooch with sparkling clear unfoiled rhinestones and petals enameled in
blue, pastel blue and green, all set in gold tone wire work, marked on
the back "by Hobe" in a triangle, circa 1940s, 3-1/8".
View #O37259.

HOBE purple heart pins with pink, green and clear unfoiled rhinestones
set in gold washed wire work, one signed on the back "Hobe", each 1-3/4" by
1".
View #O39446

HOBE brooch with unfoiled clear, purple and blue rhinestone set in
gilt silver hand made wire work signed on the back, 1-1/4". Included are
the matching earrings, each of which has a solder repair best visible
under a lens. They are 1-1/3" clip backs, unsigned. Because of the
repairs they are included free of charge with the brooch. The brooch was
patent 150,359 in 1948 and was designed by Sylvia Hobe. The three
rhinestones under the crown shape dangle loosely and were made to quiver when
worn.
View
View
View #O38605

HOBE pastel blue and clear unfoiled rhinestones bracelet and
earrings with heart dangles on the earrings. The bracelet is 6-3/4" long
by 1" wide, and the clip back earrings are 1-1/3". Circa 1940, this set
is in excellent condition with a catch and safety chain that work just
as they should.
ViewViewViewViewViewViewViewView #O39622

HOBE blue and clear unfoiled rhinestones set in gold tone filigree 7" by
3/4" bracelet, 2-1/2" brooch and 7/8" screw-back earrings. Only the bracelet
is marked "Hobe" on the back. A 1948 advertisement for a very
similar bracelet can be seen in can be seen in Brunialti's "Tribute to
American Costume Jewelry" on page 35.
ViewViewViewViewViewViewView #O29923

HOBE blue and clear unfoiled rhinestones set in gold tone filigree 7" by
3/4" bracelet, 2-1/2" brooch and 7/8" screw-back earrings. Only the bracelet
is marked "Hobe" on the back.
ViewViewViewViewViewViewView #O29923.

HOBE unsigned square aqua and clear unfoiled rhinestone earring set in gilt
hand worked wire work, 1" wide with clip backs. The earrings are from the
1940s and are in excellent condition in every way. They are not signed but
are guaranteed to be genuine Hobe earrings.
View #O38625

HOBE bracelet of aqua and clear
brilliant unfoiled rhinestones in a gold washed wire work and collet
setting, 7-1/3" by 7/8". ViewView #O32863

HOBE necklace of aqua and clear
unfoiled rhinestones in gold washed wire work and collet settings, necklace
16" with 3-1/2" front drop, earrings 1-1/2". This necklace is gold plate
over silver and was created by Zoltan Imirshaw in the 1930's. (interview of
Don Hobe by Davida Baron, 1996). #O32865

HOBE aqua and clear
rhinestone leaf pin set in gilt hand made wire work filigree, 1-5/8" by
1-1/4". View
#O37419

HOBE bracelet in unfoiled aqua and clear rhinestones set in gilt
silver hand made wirework with the unusual feature of pendant drops on
each link, circa 1940s, includes a safety chain, 7-1/4" by 2" including
the drops. The drops alternate between a faceted pastel blue bead and a
clear rhinestone.
View
View #O37760

HOBE aqua and clear unfoiled
rhinestones ring in a silvery setting with delicate looped wire work so typical
of Hobe, size 6-1/8, 1-1/4" by 1-1/8". There are scratches on
the aqua rhinestone visible upon close examination, but the stone is
brilliant to the naked eye. Like many Hobe rings this is not signed but is
guaranteed a Hobe and I have had other signed pieces
of this group.
ViewView #O32908

HOBE wide bracelet with blue glass
cabochons, red and clear unfoiled faceted rhinestones set in gold tone wire
work, 6-3/4" long and with a safety catch, 1-3/4" at the front and 3/4" at
the back. ViewView #O36754

HOBE brooch with bow and dangle, bow pin 1-5/8" by 1-1/4", round brooch
1-5/8", bow unsigned and round marked "Hobe". Each of the two pieces has a
pin back so that they can be worn separately as well as together. This has
lovely dramatic and patriotic colors as well as nice movement, circa 1940s
and in excellent condition.
View
View #O39101

HOBE blue, red and clear unfoiled rhinestone brooch
with dangles, circa 1950, a nice size at 2-1/3" by 2-1/3". This is
being sold as is with three small chips in the center
stone, but because they are visible under magnification they do not detract
from the overall look of this gorgeous brooch.
View #O34364

HOBE bracelet with blue, red and
clear unfoiled rhinestones set in gold tone wire work, chains back, bracelet
is 6-3/4" long and has a safety chain and 3/4" wide.
View #O36749

HOBE rectangular brooch with blue,
red and clear unfoiled rhinestones set in gold plated metal filigree wire work, extra loop on
the back, 2-1/4" by 2". This piece in another color way can
be seen in the book "American Costume Jewelry: Art & Industry Volume 1" on
page 215, where it is dated 1939 designed by William W. Hobe. ViewViewd #O36751

HOBE blue, red and clear unfoiled
rhinestone earrings set in gold tone wire work, clip back unsigned earrings,
7/8", patent number on clip is 1967965. This piece in another color way
can be seen in the book "American Costume Jewelry: Art & Industry Volume 1"
on page 215, where it is dated 1939 designed by William W. Hobe.
View #O36747

HOBE red, blue and clear
rhinestones set in gilt sterling filigree bracelets, brooch and earrings. The
bracelet is long and wide 7" by 7/8", the brooch is 2" and the earrings
are7/8". The bracelet is signed behind the clasp "Hobe" on an applied
rectangle; the brooch is marked "Hobe" and "design pat." on two applied
rectangles; the earrings are marked "sterling" on the back. #O31872
and #O29716.

HOBE red, clear and blue rhinestone bracelet, circa 1940,
7" by 3/4". Signed behind the clasp "Hobe" on an applied
rectangle. This is the same piece seen in Christie Romero's "Warman's Jewelry", 3rd Ed, page
190. ViewViewViewViewView
#H14969

HOBE red, blue and clear
rhinestones set in gold tone filigree bracelets, brooch and earrings. The
top bracelet is the same piece seen in Christie Romero's book "Warman's
Jewelry", 2nd Ed, page 190.
View #O31872 and
#O29716

HOBE fur clip in blue
glass cabochons and red and clear unfoiled rhinestones in a hand made wire
worked filigree setting with some gilt loss,
1-7/8" by 1-5/8", unsigned. The stones are in excellent condition
and the setting is a silvery color with some gilding, lovely, circa 1940s.
View #O39112

HOBE crescent moon brooch with unfoiled pink, blue and clear rhinestones in a
gold tone wirework setting, 2" by 2". It is signed on the back
"Hobe" and is in excellent condition, circa 1950.
View #O39616

HOBE comma shaped earrings with center stones of faceted unfoiled topaz
color and surrounding stones in red, pink, soft green and clear, also
unfoiled. The earrings are screw backs, and while they are not signed, they
are guaranteed to be by Hobe. They are in excellent condition and circa
1940s.
View #O38673

Now and again I run across a DeRosa piece that is made exactly like the Hobe
jewelry of the 1940's, and the bracelet to the left is a perfect example. So far
as I know, there was no connection between the two companies, but these are SO
similar that it does make me wonder.

DEROSA bracelet in the 1940s Hobe style with unfoiled
stones set in gilt wire work. They include green garnet glass
doublettes and golden and pale yellow rhinestones. It is 6-3/4"
wearable size by 2" wide at the front and 1/2" wide at the
back, circa 1940s. Jointed links make this flexible to wrap around the
wrist comfortably, and it is in very good vintage condition with no
missing stones and no damage or repairs.
View
View
View
View #d38802

DeRosa and Hobe bracelet
clasps. While these are both very typically Hobe looking, the top
one is signed "DeRosa". I wish I had a shot of the front of this
DeRosa bracelet, too. The similarity is amazing and yet there is no
documented connection I am aware of between Hobe and DeRosa.

HOBE STERLING JEWELRY
circa 1940-1945The hand wrought sterling settings are masterful,
and the rhinestones brilliant. So far, unlike the gilt wire work pieces
above, I have seen hardly any of sterling pieces set with semi-precious
stones, but only with rhinestones.

HOBE sterling with gold overlay leaves and roses design pink rhinestones
set. It has a
6-5/8" by 1-1/3" bracelet, 3-1/3" brooch and 3/4"
screw-on pierced earrings,
circa 1940. The bracelet is marked on the back of the clasp with "Hobe" in a
partial triangle; the brooch marked in a triangle "Hobe sterling 1/20 14k";
the earrings have no marks.
ViewViewViewViewViewView #O31852.

HOBE dangling
bird holding a circle brooch with pink, blue and clear foiled and unfoiled
rhinestones, the clear rhinestone right under the bird's beak is chipped upon
close examination, total length 2-1/3".
View #O38210

HOBE sterling bracelet with shocking pink rhinestones, a color that
isn't common in Hobe of this era. It is marked on the
clasp back "Hobe Sterling" in a triangle safety chain, 7" by 1".
Circa mid-1940s, this is lovely and in excellent condition. The Hobe
patent can be seen
HERE.
View
View
View #O38757

HOBE sterling bracelet and earrings
with pink and purple rhinestones, circa 1940, bracelet 7" by 1-5/8" and
earrings 1-1/8", patent number 126,785 for the year 1941.
ViewViewViewViewViewViewView #H34231

HOBE sterling with gold overlay bracelet with moonstones and synthetic
rubies in a rose color, marked on the back "Hobe 1/20th 14k" on sterling design
"pat'd", with it's safety chain, circa 1945, 7" by 3/4", slight wear on a few
stones but visible only under magnification. View
View
View
View #O37370

HOBE sterling with gold wash two-part
pendant brooch,
circa 1945, designer William Hobe, 3-1/2" by 1-3/4". This is made with all
the lovely ornate detail that makes Hobe
jewelry so popular. A brooch like this can be seen in Brunialti's "Tribute
to American Costume Jewelry" on page 11 and in in Brunialti's "American
Costume Jewelry, Art & Industry" on page 215.
ViewViewView #O33489
ViewViewView #O33489

HOBE silver
locket brooch with red, pink and blue rhinestones in a wire design setting, 2-1/2". The lower part is a
heart-shaped locket that opens on a hinge for a photo or a lock of hair, and it is suspended from the top,
which could be worn separately. It is in excellent condition and is an
unusual piece.
View
View #O39295

HOBE silver hand pin with red, blue and pastel blue rhinestones, marked
on the back "Hobe", 1-1/2". Note the detail of a ring on the
hand. This is small but lovely and is in very good vintage condition.
View #O39444

HOBE necklace and bracelet with
green, yellow and white enameling, green cabochons and imitation pearls,
gold tone chains and fittings, necklace 18-1/2" wearable length and with a
2-3/4" drop, bracelet wearable length 6-5/8" and 1-7/8" wide at the front.
A similar piece can be seen in the book "Masterpieces of Costume Jewelry" by
Ball & Torem page 103 where this style is called the "Old World Art"
collection. ViewViewViewViewViewView #O36769

HOBE brooch with
green glass cabochon, artificial pearls and enameling in red, white and
black, 5 dangles, all set in matte gold tone, 2-1/4" by 2-1/4", some slight
wear on two pearls. View
#O37178

HOBE bracelet in an Old World style with orange and green cabochons,
enamel work and pearls and set in gold tone with a safety chain, 7" by 1-3/4" at the
widest, 9 chains on each side. The smallest pearls on this bracelet
have no finish so they are just white glass beads now, as you can see in the
close-up photo. Otherwise this is in excellent condition. This is one of the
Austro-Hungarian Revival style pieces that Hobe did, and they are some of my
favorites.
View
View
View #O39102

HOBE Austro-Hungarian style pendant with yellow and black enameling, green
cabochons, glass pearls and rhinestones, alls et in gold tone metal. The
necklace is 18" long, with the pendant portion 3" by 1-7/8" counting both
elements, and clip back earrings each 1". A similar piece can be seen in the
book "Masterpieces of Costume Jewelry" by Ball & Torem page 103 where this style
is called the "Old World Art" collection. This is one of the Austro-Hungarian
Revival style pieces that Hobe did, and they are some of my favorites.
View
View
View #O39276

HOBE cameo necklace and earrings
with topaz, yellow, golden and green rhinestones set in gold tone, necklace
16-18" with 2-1/3" front drop, earrings 1-1/4". This set was
called "Roaring Twenties" and used "genuine cameos blended with pseudo gem
stones". It also states that all designs are copyrighted. It's odd that they
called this "Roaring Twenties" as the set wasn't made in the 20's nor does
it reflect the designs of that era.
View #O60667

HOBE magazine advertisement stating, "Costumery by Hobe, Jewels of Legendary
Splendor in Couturier Sets that win unending admiration at Prestige Jewelers
and Specialty Shops". This set was called "Roaring Twenties" and used
"genuine cameos blended with pseudo gem stones". It also states that all
designs are copyrighted. It's odd that they called this "Roaring
Twenties" when the set wasn't made in the 20's nor does it reflect the designs of that
era. #O39085b

HOBE cameo locket set in
gold tone with brown, yellow and green rhinestones and dated on the back
1965. ViewViewViewView #O19439

HOBE brooch and earrings with aqua glass scarabs surrounded by art glass
rose and yellow cabochons and blue, lavender and yellow rhinestones all set in
gold tone, brooch 2-1/4" by 1-5/8", clip back earrings with cushion rollers for
comfort and clip backs, 1" by 1".
View #O38949

HOBE lush beads necklace and earrings set. The necklace is 15-1/3"
by 2" front drop and the clip back earrings with roller cushion are
2-1/3" long each. This has a wonderful variety of colorful glass beads,
many of which have an aurora borealis finish. The earrings are signed
"Hobe" but the necklace, while an exact match, is not signed. Circa
1960, this is in excellent condition.
View
View
View
View
View
View #O39493 $398.00

HOBE green frosted leaves brooch with a green glass center cabochon,
deep pink rhinestones and glass pearls, all set in gold tone and singed on
the back, "Hobe", 2" by 2". These leaves are molded
glass and are among my favorite jewelry elements.
View #O39447

HOBE earrings with frosted green veined leaves and green rhinestones
set in gold tone, 2-3/4" by 1-5/8". The earrings have the comfortable
roll clips that Hobe often used on their clip backed earrings, and the
"Hobe" name is seen there. These are brilliant, work perfectly and are
in excellent condition
View #O38734

HOBE green cabochon brooch with
wonderful pressed glass leaves and clear rhinestones set in gold tone,
1-3/4". I have also seen these lovely leaves used on both Schreiner and
Carnegie jewelry. View #O37322

HOBE frosted green leaves necklace and earrings, with original box and
tags. The necklace is 15" x 5/8", the box 8-1/4" s 3-5/8" by 1" deep.
On the original tags it says this is "style #MD39N", and a part of the
Hobe
"Jewels of Legendary Splendor".
View
View
View
View #O39553 HOBE earrings
View
View
in box
View

HOBE frosted green leaves necklace and earrings, with original box and
tags. The necklace is 15" x 5/8", the box 8-1/4" s 3-5/8" by 1" deep.
On the original tags it says this is "style #MD39N", and a part of the Hobe
"Jewels of Legendary Splendor".
View
View
View
View
View
View
View #O39553

HOBE green glass petals necklace with clear rhinestones set in gold
tone, 14" by 1-1/4". The petals are lovely and the gold
stamen and clear rhinestone set them off perfectly.
View
View #O38556

HOBE gray and clear rhinestones brooch and earrings set into silver
tone metal, brooch 2-7/8" by 2-1/8" and clip back earrings 1-1/2". The
mark "Hobe" is on all three pieces and the earrings have the rubber
roller backs for comfort.
View #Y66409

HOBE necklace, bracelet and earrings with pink marbled and molded glass
heart-shaped centers surrounded by cloud white marquis, rose aurora borealis
and clear rhinestones all set in silver tone, some finish wear on the back
only, necklace 15-1/2" by 7/8", bracelet 7" by 1-1/2", clip back earrings
1-1/4", all three pieces signed "Hobe" with the copyright mark, circa 1960.
View
View #O37652

HOBE necklace of red
and black clear-clad glass beads and clear and iris rhinestones set in gold
tone. ViewViewView #O19076

HOBE purple, blue and clear rectangular rhinestones brooch with gold
tone chain dangles, signed "Hobe" in an oval on the back, it is 2-7/8" by
1-1/2". This is in excellent condition and from circa 1960.
View #O39595

HOBE rare and spectacular rhinestone oval footed jewelry or dresser box
with all colors and shapes of rhinestones set in gold tone wirework on the
lid of a gold tone embossed body. It's lined with deep purple velvet and the lid is slightly domed so the stones
can really sparkle, 6-1/4" by 4-5/8" and 3" tall, really
special. Circa 1950, it is a real treasure. It is in excellent
condition, too.
View
ViewView
#O37369

HOBE rhinestone oval
footed dresser box with all colors and shapes of stones set in gold tone
wirework on the lid of a gold tone embossed dresser box lined with deep
purple velvet, the lid is slightly domed so the stones really sparkle,
6-1/4" by 4-5/8" and 3" tall, really spectacular.
ViewViewView
#O37369

HOBE rhinestone round
footed dresser box with a portrait top, all colors and shapes of stones set in
gold tone wirework on the lid of a gold tone embossed dresser box lined with
deep purple velvet, the lid is slightly domed so the stones really sparkle, 5"
around and 3" tall, really spectacular. The portrait is hand painted and marked
on the back, "Made in France, Mme DuBarry, 102".
ViewViewViewView #O37368

Ad for this purse. The stitched and beaded body was made by well-known
purse maker Josef, and the frame by
Hobe, circa 1950. At the bottom, the ad says, "... evening bags by Josef...
jewelry to match, bracelets $79.50, pin clips $35.00, earrings $19.75."
Next to each purse is a price ranging from $125.00 to $175.00. ViewCourtesy of Pat Seal

HOBE Josef purse with blue,
aqua and pink unfoiled rhinestones frame on a cream iridescent hand beaded
body, circa 1950, 9" by 6-1/2" total purse and frame size. The frame and
closure clip are in mint condition, and the body has a tag inside which
says, "Bags by Josef, hand beaded in U.S.A.". There is very light deeper
cream here and there on the body and the inside of the purse. You can see
the vintage ad for this style purse HERE.
ViewViewViewView
#O33195

Josef of Paris made fabulous handbags.
They were beaded in France and then imported. In 1946, when this ad came
out, the price of the purse was $125.00.
Courtesy of Pat Seal

HOBE unsigned purse with
beaded and embroidered body, aqua, pink, clear and green rhinestone frame.
It is 9" wide at the bottom and 7" top to bottom. #P23864
Purse is
lined in cream colored fabric.

HOBE
compact in plum, blue and pale yellow rhinestones set in that fabulous
Hobe gilt filigree, a rare piece circa 1950, 2-1/4" by 3-1/4". While this is not
signed it is easily recognized as a Hobe. The mirror and a powder
compartment are inside, used but clean and with no puff. Marked inside
"Patent 1,802,796 Made in USA". That is a 1931 patent issued to W.E. Wacker
for the catch and compact.
ViewViewView #H16397

HOBE Josef purse with hand embroidered and beaded body by Josef and
rhinestone and gold tone frame by Hobe, unsigned. It is marked on a tag
inside "Bags by Josef hand beaded in the USA", body 11-1/2" by 5-1/2",
frame 8-1/2" by 1-3/4". This is in excellent condition with lovely
unfoiled cabochons and rhinestones set into the gold tone frame in the
colors of aqua, pink, plum and clear. They are really reflective and set
off the hand beaded body beautifully. Circa 1950, the purse is all
fitted on the inside and has a tiny cute clear plastic comb there, too.
The tag inside says, "Bags by Josef Hand Beaded USA". Also shown here is
a jpg of a vintage ad showing Hobe purses and giving the prices, back in
the 1950's, as between $125.00 and $175.00, expensive back then.
View
View
View
ViewView
#O38017

HOBE frame purse with beaded
Josef body, frame is made up of brilliant topaz colored cabochons with
soft green, clear and yellow unfoiled faceted rhinestones all set in the
beautiful gold tone wire work for which Hobe is famous, the purse is
made of tiny golden glass seed beads. A comb is inside and there are
pockets for mirror, comb, lipstick all in a pale yellow satin.
ViewViewViewView #O36738

HOBE jeweled purse frame on a
black glass bead purse, the frame has unfoiled rhinestones in red, pink,
green and clear set in gold tone wirework, circa
1950s. The frame of the purse is 2" by 6-1/3" at it widest, and the
beaded body of the purse is about 5" by 9". You can see the vintage
advertisement for this style purse HERE.
ViewViewView #O35829

HOBE Josef cream glass
beaded clutch purse with a Hobe frame of celery green, topaz and clear
rhinestones and cabochons set in gold tone, circa 1950. The lining is cream
satin with gold edging and fitted for comb, lipstick, cards. The overall size is
11" by 7-1/2", and it is marked inside "Made by Josef hand beaded in the USA".
ViewViewViewView #O37138

GENEVIEVE
black velvet purse with what looks like a Hobe frame in clear rhinestones, frame
6" by 1", body 8-1/2" by 5-1/2". The velvet is beautifully gathered and there is
a strap on the back so you can carry it as a clutch. Hobe purse frames are
rarely if ever signed, and this one is no different. I could be incorrect about
it being their frame. Inside the purse though is a very faint wording along the
line of, "Genevieve M... Gerstle", and I couldn't find any information on that
maker.
ViewViewView #O37421

HOBE framed purse with of pastel
aqua, pink, rose and lavender unfoiled rhinestones set in gold tone
filigree wirework. The purse has a black satin body, lining and handle,
circa 1950. There is light wear on the gather at the top, total size 11"
by 91/2". ViewViewView #O37139

PLEASE NOTE:Regretfully, it
is no longer possible to respond to individual questions regarding
jewelry history, identification or value, or to offer written or verbal
appraisals or opinions. The demand for this kind of information is
absolutely too overwhelming for one dealer to fill.
I love jewelry, but appraising and selling are two
entirely different businesses, and I choose selling and research as my
business.
Instead, articles are added on a regular basis to JEWEL CHAT on line Magazine, a
wonderful reference for information on many makers and styles of
vintage jewelry.
For information on valuing your jewelry, click
HERE.